Quilt, Gray-Aqua Worsted Wholecloth

Date1770-1790

MediumWool, linen

DimensionsOverall (L x W): 100 x 97in. (254 x 246.4cm) Other (Cut Outs L x W): 17 x 29in. (43.2 x 73.7cm) 8 running stitches per inch

Credit LineAnonymous gift

Object number1971-1369

DescriptionT-shaped, wholecloth bed quilt of soft aqua glazed plain-woven worsted (faded to gray-aqua). A diamond-shaped medallion is quilted into the center, surrounded by large, detached leafy scrolls. The design is laid out symmetrically across a vertical center line. The edges are quilted with a pointed feather or leaf border, except for the foot post cutouts, which were cut out for the posts of a tall-post bed after quilting (design interrupted by cutouts). The background quilting consists of diagonal parallel lines sewn with running stitches, eight per inch. The reverse side is of mustard, plain-woven woolen and linen, and the batting is combed wool. Outside edges finished by turning textiles inside and stitching with running stitches close to the edge.
Label TextStitched in Time:
The shiny finish of this quilt comes from a process known as calendaring. In this treatment, a wool textile is pressed between hot plates, creating a silk-like luster and giving the fabric a stiffened texture. Often, permanent creases are made in the textile. They are visible even when the fabric has been sewn into a finished product.

The solid color of this quilt allows the eye to focus on the quilting stitches. A series of feather-like leaves are quilted around a triangular center medallion. The addition of wool batting gives them a three-dimensional appearance. The full pattern is slightly disrupted by cut-outs at the corners that allow the quilt to fit neatly around the posts of a high-post bedstead.
ProvenanceAnonymously donated to CWF, 1971.